A program at Los Angeles International Airport that gathers food on a daily basis from its concessionaires for donation to local charities was recognized with an award from the South Bay Business Environmental Coalition, officials announced Thursday.

Los Angeles World Airports’ LAX Harvest Food Donation Program on Sunday received the 2017 SoCal Environmental Excellence Development award in the “Bridge Builder” category.

“The LAX Harvest Food Donation Program is a shining example of how our airport community comes together to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of those around us,” said Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners Vice President Valeria Velasco. “We appreciate the SEED award, and will endeavor to build more bridges with our local communities.”

The program is a partnership between LAWA, concessionaires HMSHost and the Hudson Group, and Food Donation Connection.

“As part of our sustainability efforts, food waste and diversion is a vital part of our overall program,” said Samantha Bricker, LAWA deputy executive director for environmental programs. “The LAX Harvest Food Donation Program promotes sustainability by diverting unsold food from landfills and distributing it to various local nonprofit groups to help our community.”

LAWA said that since it was founded in 2012, the program has donated more than 397,000 individual items totaling over 195,000 pounds through 2016.

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